Willoughby City Council is making it easier for residents to recycle on the go, launching a Return and Earn bin basket trial this March across six suburbs. Supported by funding from Exchange for Change, the metal baskets will be installed on public litter bins in locations including Castlecrag shops, local parks and reserves.
The Return and Earn bin baskets provide a dedicated space for people to place eligible 10c drink containers instead of tossing them into general waste. This simple shift prevents recyclable materials from ending up in landfill and allows community members to collect the containers for a refund without the need to rummage through garbage.
Mayor Tanya Taylor said the trial is about more than just waste management, it's about looking after our environment while looking out for one another.
"We know our residents are passionate about recycling. These baskets make it easier for everyone to do the right thing," Mayor Taylor said. "By placing your empty bottle in a basket rather than a bin, you are directly helping to reduce litter, increase recycling rates and support a system that benefits both the environment and those who participate in the Return and Earn scheme."
The trial will run from March until mid-June 2026. During this period, Council will monitor the volume of containers collected and the impact on local litter rates to assess the feasibility of a permanent, wider rollout.
The initiative aligns with Council's commitment to a zero-waste future and its ongoing partnership with the NSW Return and Earn scheme, which has already seen millions of containers diverted from landfill across the state.
